PROBATE

IN STATE OF CALIFORNIA

+ PURPOSE OF PROBATE

STEPS INVOLVED IN PROBATE 

+ PAYMENT OF TAXES

+ CONCLUDING THE ESTATE

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Second, the executor or administrator may sell assets under a provision of California law referred to as the “Independent Administration of Estates Act.” Under this act the executor or administrator may sell any asset. The only requirement is to give written notice to any beneficiary who is affected by the sale at least 15 days before the proposed date of sale. If no one objects, then the sale may proceed. If someone objects, then the court must be petitioned for approval the same as alternative number one, above.

Sale of Estate Assets

It may be necessary or practical to sell some or all of the estate assets. Assets may have to be sold to pay taxes, fees and debts. Or the home may be vacant and the children do not wish to inherit it, so it is sold during probate.

 

There are two methods of selling assets in a probate proceeding, which the executor or administrator may chose. First, court approval may be obtained before any asset is sold. If the stocks or bonds are sold, a court order is necessary before selling them. If real estate is sold, a court hearing must be held and anyone may offer a higher price for the property in court and take it away from the original buyer.

After appointment, the executor or administrator usually prepares a budget with an estimate of the federal estate tax, fees for the executor and attorney, administrative costs, cash bequests under the will, and debts or claims. If there is insufficient cash available, then a decision must be made as to what assets to sell. If there is sufficient cash available, then a decision must be made as to whether any assets such as the home should be sold.

Once the decision is made to sell assets, the executor or administrator should proceed with the sale. It makes little sense to allow the home to remain vacant for nine months and then put it on the market for sale. If the home is going to be sold, there seems little reason why it should not be marketed within 30 days of the appointment.

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